Alexander Gustafsson interested in match-up with Lyoto Machida

UFC light heavyweight Alexander Gustafsson saw an incredible opportunity slip through his fingers last week when a cut he suffered in training cost him a crack at top contendership by forcing his withdrawal from a fight with Gegard Mousasi. Fortunately, Gustafsson’s gash wasn’t too gruesome and essentially looked good enough to garner a green-light against Mousasi had he been given another day or two to heal.

With the Mousasi match-up gone, Gustafsson is looking forward to the next challenge and is itching to compete as soon as possible. According to a report on UFC Tonight, the 26-year old Swede was said to be waiting for either an injury to create an opening he can slide into or a meeting with Lyoto Machida.

Machida (19-3) is a former champion who is also positioned for a title-shot based on recent wins over Ryan Bader and Dan Henderson. Additionally, he is currently available in terms of not having a future fight scheduled.

Gustafsson holds an overall record of 15-1 and has come out triumphant in his last six scraps. Twelve of his wins have featured a finish including those over Matt Hamill, Vladimir Matyushenko, and James Te Huna. He has also had his hand raised against the likes of Thiago Silva and Mauricio Rua.

Whilst Jones & Sonnen are booked, this fight has to happen, Lyoto is keen to fight again and Gustaffson needs one more shot to prove he is deserving of the No.1 spot. It doesn’t have the makings of the most exciting match up in the world, but sometimes thats the way it goes.